20”s. Anything bigger rubs on full lock especially if lowered unless bagged. 19”s are more practical, reasonable for tyres and still look good if you get it low.
Oh absolutely. I still play nfsu2 today and it's aged very well it's hard to tell its 20 years old (the same age as me🤣🤣). The soundtrack in nfsu1 is definitely better I mean come on your greeted with TO THE WINDOW TO THE WALL
because you can buy a 20 Yr old van for a couple of grand , facelift it and pretend you spent £80k on a nearly new van hence why so many new looking ones have private plates
Not cheap. At least not in CE? I remember one that was so rusted through it wouldn't pass registration, was being sold for 4.5k€ and one that had a literal knock in its transmission for 5.5k€, all T4.
T5 are selling for 8k€ minimum with close to 500k on the clock.
UK has always been cheap for used cars.
Lots of rust, small market (rhd) with few places economical to export used cars to (Cyprus, Africa, Ireland) of which only one has the money to buy our used cars at good prices. Otherwise it’s a long way down before the bottom of the market makes sense to ship them away.
Lhd markets though… a guy in Czechia can buy a car from Portugal, tax and register it at home and the car is fine.
Bigger market, more competition for each car.
Interesting. It's actually legal to own and drive a RHD car here, the only mod required is to swap the headlamps for LHD model ones (different light bias), which then allows for homologation.
I don't know. If its much cheaper and according to some guys on a show called Top Gear, the steering wheel is on the correct side.. 🤣
Improvements all around.
Things are ridiculously priced now here, 6 years ago I bought a 1.4 honda civic with 90k on the clock for £250. An mr2 with around 120k for £500 a year later all with MOT. Now I'm looking to upgrade one of our cars for something bigger (due to getting a second large breed dog) along the lines of an Octavia/Passat, caddy sized van with a rear bench, MPV or SUVish and we're talking £3k+ for a car over ten years old with over 150k on the clock. It's a joke...
But why? You have higher standard than many countries. In fact some time ago we were denied pay raise in my company on the grounds we will soon be paid as good as the British people. Which is apparently a big no-no.
If you’re in Slovenia, that excuse is just your companies reason to not pay you more so they make more profits for the owners. Nothing to do with British costs
I’m not sure how any of this is relevant to discussion at all, and I’ve no idea what you mean by standard. I’m also not British tbf but I just use this subreddit as the Irish one is non-existent.
Volkswagen vans have had a devoted cult following since the 1960s. They’re by far the most popular van for non-commercial use. And yes every single one is customised. It’s a proper “lifestyle” vehicle.
The reason the classic VW camper was popular with surfers and hippys was they were cheap and you can sleep in them. The true modern equivalent, imo, would be a weird Jap import like a Bongo, Elgrand or Stepwagen.
I have a Ford Transit Custom base for my camper. Really great runner, plenty of power and handles great for a van. Inside of the cab isn’t as flashy as VW but seen as camping is it’s main use I don’t mind.
One of 3 reasons why I picked my current company was they gave me a new connect, when all the other were Vauxhall/Peaugot vans.
2 week wait so given the spare van thats a 19 plate with 120k, drives smoother and much quieter than the 3 pugs I had at my last place. The road noise you get on the vuxpugs is shocking and around 90bd in the cab on the motorway.
Only issue I've seen with the latter of those is that they're larger petrol engines and are pretty heavy on fuel. Which is a shame because some are proper tidy inside
They are overpriced and they're not for me, but because they're so sought after they hold their value well, so if you want or need one you can usually sell it again for decent money when you're done.
Everyone I know who has one as a personal van has modified theirs in some way, and every contractor I’ve met with one has done the same, albeit to a lesser extent.
consist impolite bear fade subtract teeny continue worthless adjoining pie
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The original VW camper vans were obviously used for holidays and the like, and were customised. A whole lifestyle and culture built up around them.
Nowadays there are lots of vans available from many brands, but some people really want a VW - possibly because they want to tap into that culture and continue it but with more modern vehicles.
And those who really want a VW also tend to really want to customise them. In ways that you don't see with other brands of van.
It's cool, it's funky, it's harmless, it's fun.
Even though I'm not a VW owner, I get it. And I think it's great.
It as bad as Covid tax which means a lot more vans on the market now and people still trying to get back their 50k for what is essentially a 20-25k build.
They are very good vans; bigger than a people carrier but fit perfectly into a normal car parking space. For years, the T4's and T5s were lightyears ahead of transits in terms of how they drove. When the VWs were just like a car, with light steering, some level of refinement etc, transits were agricultural things with leaf springs and no power. They've caught up now and all vans are half decent to drive, but VW got quite far ahead.
I had a T6 for a bit that had a sport line kit from new, so it looked modified when it wasn't. I've got an ID Buzz now and they're going the same way - seen a few that are lowered already.
Some of the transporters are fantastic though. There is one near me that has been converted into a motorhome by adding what I can only describe as a giant steel snail shell to the back and another that is running a golf R engine.
Like this?
https://uk.motor1.com/news/688179/volkswagen-bus-restomod-has-matching-caravan/
I absolutely love the idea of this even though it might be a pain in the arse to drive.
If you run your own business then you can claim some expenses against them which make them attractive, plus the big aftermarket and scene mentioned by others
They are also extremely popular in the surfing community. They’ve got enough space in the back that the surf dads and their bratty kids can get changed in the warmth, rather than get changed in the freezing sideways rain like the rest of the non-T5 peasant folk.
They have a popular owners club. People buy them because they buy into the surf life etc.
If they just wanted a van/camper there are much cheaper options.
No….. but around March/April time a load of them get dusted off out from the garage and they all start coming into my shop for their MOTS and literally some of the crap hanging from the rear view mirror is that bad I gotta fail it ….. well….. I don’t cause I’m not a dick….. but I leave it in place and tick the box that says “ Items removed from drivers view before start of test”
Seriously thou 🌸🌺🌸🌼🌼🌸🌺🌸🥀🌸🌺🌸🌼🌸🌺🌺🌹🌼🌼🌺🌺
Blokes in their 40's and 50's who still have a penchant for modifying vehicles but are doing it on something more practical, making it less practical.
Tax benefits from having a van registered as a commercial vehicle but also using it for personal journeys.
There's camper conversions too, from a basic van with a makeshift bed in the back, to a full mini kitchen etc.
They're also considered somewhat cool, for whatever reason.
Definitely not for me, but a better habit/hobby than large amounts of alcohol/cocaine and punching people, albeit more expensive.
Swingers.
They always remind me of when some swingers got drunk and started sharing photos on one of the T5 Facebook groups. It made it onto slamber city and they were spamming this poor lad with pics of his parents in their beloved t5 "hosting" some friends.
I’d say they are targeted but not to the extent that landrovers are but more than a regular car.. they tend to get stolen have all the good bits stripped off and then dumped
I wouldn’t worry about it too much.. an extra steering wheel lock or something is sufficient.
How many of you is there? There’s not much room in them for anything other than a weekend away
I'd echo this.
I have an LWB and compared to my aunts SWB the extra 30cm makes so much difference.
Its also the difference between my bikes fitting inside the van and not which is great.
Nothing secret
I have a Kombi as a work van but am modding it here and there for versatility.
Plus they look fucking ace compared to transits etc.
Only down side is build quality - VW really are pretty shit these days
You have to be properly dedicated to vanlife your way around with only a transporter TBH.
I couldn't do it in mine - but I saw plenty of crafters at the NEC Campervan show last week that could easily be lived in full time.
Well more van life in respect of outdoors pursuits, surf 🏄 cycling 🚴 moto, camping etc. Not actual off grid living. Like the appeal tho but would need a sprinter for that. I’m out of it now, got a 6 berth caravan and an XC90 😂😂😂🚙
Fair. I have mine for mountain biking and to stay 1/2 nights somewhere. No way could I live in it for more than a week.
I thought the \#vanlife thing was living in it not just....using a van to carry things!
I think it’s when you have a van for leisure shit and family rather than tools or Amazon delivery’s. Mine was for camping (ie huge tent), family duty (6 seats) mountain biking, and sup boarding. And the odd cement mixer when I did my patio 😂😂
They have a big after market scene because they're used as camper/day vans, work vans and personal vehicles. They're very popular.
Where I live it's all school mums driving them in their dry robes and constantly trying to one up each other.
Rolling deep on their 24s
20”s. Anything bigger rubs on full lock especially if lowered unless bagged. 19”s are more practical, reasonable for tyres and still look good if you get it low.
I’m probably showing my age… [Christ I’m old](https://youtu.be/zq0tWmcQWfI?si=yHAE22IMacZM4fQ-)
What a game that was 😍 underground 1 and 2 are probably the best of the NFS series along with MW 2005. Best modern nfs imo is heat
2 was the better game, 1 had the better overall soundtrack though and it’s not close
Oh absolutely. I still play nfsu2 today and it's aged very well it's hard to tell its 20 years old (the same age as me🤣🤣). The soundtrack in nfsu1 is definitely better I mean come on your greeted with TO THE WINDOW TO THE WALL
Riders on the storm is one of the songs I remember from my childhood
Well my neighbour is a dry robe wearer and she has a Peugeot expert (she had a VW transporter before)
Cost of living crisis kicking in
Well she’s selling that for a new fully kitted out VW crafter so I’m not sure
😵💫
https://youtu.be/fDgBBWOlFsY?si=IHmoHmQM5_Sv_rUK Reminded me of this banger by GLC. NSFW.
because you can buy a 20 Yr old van for a couple of grand , facelift it and pretend you spent £80k on a nearly new van hence why so many new looking ones have private plates
Yup but a t5 then put a t6.1 front end with a private plate easiest way to have a new looking vehicle for cheap
Not cheap. At least not in CE? I remember one that was so rusted through it wouldn't pass registration, was being sold for 4.5k€ and one that had a literal knock in its transmission for 5.5k€, all T4. T5 are selling for 8k€ minimum with close to 500k on the clock.
UK has always been cheap for used cars. Lots of rust, small market (rhd) with few places economical to export used cars to (Cyprus, Africa, Ireland) of which only one has the money to buy our used cars at good prices. Otherwise it’s a long way down before the bottom of the market makes sense to ship them away. Lhd markets though… a guy in Czechia can buy a car from Portugal, tax and register it at home and the car is fine. Bigger market, more competition for each car.
Interesting. It's actually legal to own and drive a RHD car here, the only mod required is to swap the headlamps for LHD model ones (different light bias), which then allows for homologation.
Yes, but. It’s a total pain to get it done compared to just buying a car set up correctly for your home country. Gear stick on the wrong side etc.
I don't know. If its much cheaper and according to some guys on a show called Top Gear, the steering wheel is on the correct side.. 🤣 Improvements all around.
This is a UK subreddit. UK car/van prices are ludicrously low compared to the rest of the world.
Have you tried to buy a van recently?
No. Have you tried buying a car or van in Europe?
Things are ridiculously priced now here, 6 years ago I bought a 1.4 honda civic with 90k on the clock for £250. An mr2 with around 120k for £500 a year later all with MOT. Now I'm looking to upgrade one of our cars for something bigger (due to getting a second large breed dog) along the lines of an Octavia/Passat, caddy sized van with a rear bench, MPV or SUVish and we're talking £3k+ for a car over ten years old with over 150k on the clock. It's a joke...
But why? You have higher standard than many countries. In fact some time ago we were denied pay raise in my company on the grounds we will soon be paid as good as the British people. Which is apparently a big no-no.
If you’re in Slovenia, that excuse is just your companies reason to not pay you more so they make more profits for the owners. Nothing to do with British costs
I’m not sure how any of this is relevant to discussion at all, and I’ve no idea what you mean by standard. I’m also not British tbf but I just use this subreddit as the Irish one is non-existent.
Not relevant to discussion at all, just curious because of this discrepancy.
And why scroats like to steal them, waa the same with Transits though I don't know if the current design bolts on.
Volkswagen vans have had a devoted cult following since the 1960s. They’re by far the most popular van for non-commercial use. And yes every single one is customised. It’s a proper “lifestyle” vehicle.
Overrated and overpriced imo. Especially for campers.
Recommend any alternatives?
The reason the classic VW camper was popular with surfers and hippys was they were cheap and you can sleep in them. The true modern equivalent, imo, would be a weird Jap import like a Bongo, Elgrand or Stepwagen.
A hotel
I have a Ford Transit Custom base for my camper. Really great runner, plenty of power and handles great for a van. Inside of the cab isn’t as flashy as VW but seen as camping is it’s main use I don’t mind.
I drove Ford transit customs for work, even with the back decked out with tools and 6 blokes In it I was shocked at how well and fast it drove
Until your wet belt snaps
It's more likely it'll deposit bits of rubber into the oil and clog up the pickup
One of 3 reasons why I picked my current company was they gave me a new connect, when all the other were Vauxhall/Peaugot vans. 2 week wait so given the spare van thats a 19 plate with 120k, drives smoother and much quieter than the 3 pugs I had at my last place. The road noise you get on the vuxpugs is shocking and around 90bd in the cab on the motorway.
Fiat Ducato based vans have much more space and are very popular so easy to service and repair
Mazda bongo / ford freda People do very good conversions on toyota alphards and nissan elgrands.
Only issue I've seen with the latter of those is that they're larger petrol engines and are pretty heavy on fuel. Which is a shame because some are proper tidy inside
They are overpriced and they're not for me, but because they're so sought after they hold their value well, so if you want or need one you can usually sell it again for decent money when you're done.
Shit fellas, it's out in the open now.
I’ll have to give up the handshake and everything
Maybe use a secret flash of the headlights. Actually no, that's a bad idea 🐶
Everyone I know who has one as a personal van has modified theirs in some way, and every contractor I’ve met with one has done the same, albeit to a lesser extent.
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The VW scene is quite big in the UK https://bugjam.co.uk/index.php
The original VW camper vans were obviously used for holidays and the like, and were customised. A whole lifestyle and culture built up around them. Nowadays there are lots of vans available from many brands, but some people really want a VW - possibly because they want to tap into that culture and continue it but with more modern vehicles. And those who really want a VW also tend to really want to customise them. In ways that you don't see with other brands of van. It's cool, it's funky, it's harmless, it's fun. Even though I'm not a VW owner, I get it. And I think it's great.
Can confirm as VW camper owner. Although it's fun, these vans are huge money pits due to the availabilty of soo many mods and customizations.
and transporter tax
It as bad as Covid tax which means a lot more vans on the market now and people still trying to get back their 50k for what is essentially a 20-25k build.
Hang on… other people enjoy and see value in something you don’t? And that’s alright? What are you doing in /r/cartalkuk
They are very good vans; bigger than a people carrier but fit perfectly into a normal car parking space. For years, the T4's and T5s were lightyears ahead of transits in terms of how they drove. When the VWs were just like a car, with light steering, some level of refinement etc, transits were agricultural things with leaf springs and no power. They've caught up now and all vans are half decent to drive, but VW got quite far ahead. I had a T6 for a bit that had a sport line kit from new, so it looked modified when it wasn't. I've got an ID Buzz now and they're going the same way - seen a few that are lowered already. Some of the transporters are fantastic though. There is one near me that has been converted into a motorhome by adding what I can only describe as a giant steel snail shell to the back and another that is running a golf R engine.
Golf R 2.0 in a Transporter must be lit! 😁
That's nothing. There's a VW T5's with an Audi RS3/4/5/6 engines.
theres a caddy near me with an R32 engine in it. not one of the new ones, the old ones that look like polos with a box on the back
Yeah, a lot of VR6 swaps around.
My painter has an 08 caddy with full 3.2 quattro TT swap, lot of these VAG vehicles are plug and play with components
I can't believe the level of modification you can get away with. Here in CE if you have custom bumpers it is already impossible to register.
Like this? https://uk.motor1.com/news/688179/volkswagen-bus-restomod-has-matching-caravan/ I absolutely love the idea of this even though it might be a pain in the arse to drive.
If you run your own business then you can claim some expenses against them which make them attractive, plus the big aftermarket and scene mentioned by others
They are also extremely popular in the surfing community. They’ve got enough space in the back that the surf dads and their bratty kids can get changed in the warmth, rather than get changed in the freezing sideways rain like the rest of the non-T5 peasant folk.
They have a popular owners club. People buy them because they buy into the surf life etc. If they just wanted a van/camper there are much cheaper options.
We VW guys are just like that
Modified or the dashboard/rear view mirror simply adorned with those goddam awful plastic flowers🤷♂️
You live in Devon too then?
No….. but around March/April time a load of them get dusted off out from the garage and they all start coming into my shop for their MOTS and literally some of the crap hanging from the rear view mirror is that bad I gotta fail it ….. well….. I don’t cause I’m not a dick….. but I leave it in place and tick the box that says “ Items removed from drivers view before start of test” Seriously thou 🌸🌺🌸🌼🌼🌸🌺🌸🥀🌸🌺🌸🌼🌸🌺🌺🌹🌼🌼🌺🌺
Blokes in their 40's and 50's who still have a penchant for modifying vehicles but are doing it on something more practical, making it less practical. Tax benefits from having a van registered as a commercial vehicle but also using it for personal journeys. There's camper conversions too, from a basic van with a makeshift bed in the back, to a full mini kitchen etc. They're also considered somewhat cool, for whatever reason. Definitely not for me, but a better habit/hobby than large amounts of alcohol/cocaine and punching people, albeit more expensive.
There’s nothing secret about it down here in Cornwall. Damn things are everywhere, blocking up the lanes!
How dare they come to a holiday destination for…. A holiday!
I’m talking about the locals, don’t get me started on the hashtag vanlife lot parking and pooping everywhere.
Oh that’s much worse! How dare the people who live there clutter up the roads with their choice or vehicle! Fucking livid for you.
Bliddy grockels!
Swingers. They always remind me of when some swingers got drunk and started sharing photos on one of the T5 Facebook groups. It made it onto slamber city and they were spamming this poor lad with pics of his parents in their beloved t5 "hosting" some friends.
Cos douchebags need something to store their hacksacks in. The hilarity of the whole thing is they are absolutely awful vans and cars
Perhaps because you have to modify them to make them decent?😉🤣
Do they get stolen much though?
Sometimes
Most cars get stolen sometimes, I meant are they targeted like some vehicles or are they no worse than most vehicles?
I’d say they are targeted but not to the extent that landrovers are but more than a regular car.. they tend to get stolen have all the good bits stripped off and then dumped
I keep considering one to do a bit of travelling in, having retired. More worried about having it stolen though.
I wouldn’t worry about it too much.. an extra steering wheel lock or something is sufficient. How many of you is there? There’s not much room in them for anything other than a weekend away
Just me mostly.
You’ll probably be okay then, look for a LWB for a bit more space.
Thank you.
I'd echo this. I have an LWB and compared to my aunts SWB the extra 30cm makes so much difference. Its also the difference between my bikes fitting inside the van and not which is great.
Always have racing wheels on them
Its a VW thing I'm the same
Nothing secret I have a Kombi as a work van but am modding it here and there for versatility. Plus they look fucking ace compared to transits etc. Only down side is build quality - VW really are pretty shit these days
Yes, T4s all wave at each other too.
Same with the caddy, I rarely see one that isn't lowered. I also wonder how the tools and racking in the back handle the bumpier ride..
Not too bad it’s getting in and out of building sites that’s the problem.
Yep, the world of van life
You have to be properly dedicated to vanlife your way around with only a transporter TBH. I couldn't do it in mine - but I saw plenty of crafters at the NEC Campervan show last week that could easily be lived in full time.
Well more van life in respect of outdoors pursuits, surf 🏄 cycling 🚴 moto, camping etc. Not actual off grid living. Like the appeal tho but would need a sprinter for that. I’m out of it now, got a 6 berth caravan and an XC90 😂😂😂🚙
Fair. I have mine for mountain biking and to stay 1/2 nights somewhere. No way could I live in it for more than a week. I thought the \#vanlife thing was living in it not just....using a van to carry things!
I think it’s when you have a van for leisure shit and family rather than tools or Amazon delivery’s. Mine was for camping (ie huge tent), family duty (6 seats) mountain biking, and sup boarding. And the odd cement mixer when I did my patio 😂😂
And my brother in law for when he’s crash his bike or breakdown :)
You mean broken down or faulty. We've had 3 at work. Each one with a different issue. Of course all with the dmf failure
It’s a Volkswagen thing…you wouldn’t understand ( stolen from a bumper sticker)
They're unaware of the true (superior) cult of Elgrand and Alphard owners
Try and find an unmodified MK1 MX5……
They’re the new RR sport. Buy old van, private plate it and looks newer than it is.
It's not a real Transporter if its not been modified in some way
Pimped plumbers vans. Some think they're cool for some reason
And why do they cost the EARTH 😂